Posted by Kit Barker | Posted in Fitness progress, Thoughts | Posted on 22-09-2009
Today’s run was back in my old running shoes. This was the comparative test to see if there was any difference between running in flat shoes with no cushioning and normal running shoes.
It’s hardly the most scientific test in the world I know but it has given me some interesting things to think about.
Putting my running shoes on I instantly noticed that I felt like I was wearing high heels (don’t that I know what that feels like you understand). The heel felt really high and as I started running I noticed my stride was different. I was obviously heel striking and it didn’t feel great. I could overcome this but it took a lot of concentration to ensure I ran more “naturally”.
As with my last run, running felt easier, obviously partly due to increased fitness but also I believe to concentrating on technique. I tried again to follow the Chi Running aspects of keeping a level pelvis and leaning forward from the hips. What I found was that with traditional running shoes this was more of an effort than it was in my flat shoes.
As regards the cushioning, I didn’t feel like I was loosing out due to not being able to feel the ground like in my flat, non-cushioned shoes. Nor did my feet feel more comfortable.
I did 4.6 miles in total and at the end I felt the majority of effort had been in my calves, just like my previous run, and I had no stress in my knees at all. I’m almost certain now that the having a “high” heel causes an unnatural running position, which is more stressful and less efficient.